Sharp announces the Aquos R8s Pro and Sense8 smartphones, then proceeds to drop, wash, and freeze one of them
Ever wonder what happens to a smartphone inside a dishwasher?
The Sharp Aquos R8s Pro is geared towards mobile gamers. (Image: HWZ)
Sharp is launching two new phones under the Aquos series, the flagship Aquos R8s Pro and Aquos Sense8.
To be launched in Singapore on 3 June 2024, both the R8s Pro and Sense8 boast some unique features including IGZO OLED displays. The R8s Pro’s heat-releasing system is something mobile gamers can look forward to for performance without overheating. On the other hand, the Sense8 weighs a mere 159g with a 2-day battery life, which is especially great for mobile social media content creators.
Aquos R8s Pro
Sharp says the ring around the camera acts as a heatsink that help to cool the R8s Pro. (Image: HWZ)
Sharp says the ring around the camera acts as a heatsink that help to cool the R8s Pro.
The Aquos R8s Pro stands out with its heat-releasing system, which Sharp says prevents overheating and power throttling – though we will have to test this out ourselves. I’m also surprised Sharp didn’t name this feature.
The R8s Pro comes with a 5,000mAh battery and a 7-piece lens combination that was specially developed for the phone, which will help to suppress glare and reduce image distortion. The R8s Pro can also be equipped with exclusive multi-layer coated filters and comes with a protective case and magnetic adapter ring. As with most contemporary smartphones, the R8s Pro’s camera also has a built-in AI (artificial intelligence) engine, which Sharp says is useful for pet detection. I’m not sure if it will recognise my pet gold fish, but I’m game to try it out once we get our hands on a review unit.
For display, the R8s Pro’s 6.6-inch screen is powered by a Pro IGZO OLED panel, which looks pretty good at the demo event – with vivid colours and sharp details when viewed in person. It also supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, allowing you to enjoy Netflix and Disney+ shows that support these formats. It is also equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage.
In the camera department, the R8s Pro features a 47MP rear camera that supports capabilities such as All-Pixel PDAF and RAW HDR. The smartphone also includes a 13MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
Aquos Sense8
The Aquos Sense8 has an appeal as a durable mid-range phone that won't cost an arm and leg. (Image: HWZ)
The Aquos Sense8 has an appeal as a durable mid-range phone that won't cost an arm and leg.
The Aquos R8s Pro may be Sharp’s flagship device, but it was the Sense8 that took centre stage at the launch event, with various stations that showed off the phone’s durability.
It's about 1g more than what Sharp says, but it's very close! (Image: HWZ)
It's about 1g more than what Sharp says, but it's very close!
Screen-wise, the Sense8 uses a 6.1-inch non-Pro version of the IGZO OLED display and Sharp claims it is the world’s lightest 5G smartphone at a mere 159g (though its own test above showed it is closer to 160g). Its metal body design also complies with 16 MIL military standards, and it really does look like one darn hardy phone. Just watch our videos below, where the phone was dropped (albeit onto a wooden surface), heated, frozen, ‘drowned’ and even shown surviving inside a running dishwasher.
Sharp was not afraid to show off the Sense8's durability at the launch event. (Image: HWZ)
Sharp was not afraid to show off the Sense8's durability at the launch event.
Sharp explains that Sense8 underwent a battery of rigorous durability tests in accordance with military standards established by the United States Department of Defense to ensure its resilience in various environments. These tests include 1.22m drop tests onto wood in 26 directions, as well as subjecting it to extreme temperature tests ranging from -20 to 52 degrees Celsius. Sharp also says the smartphone is shockproof and dustproof, and I think the Sense8 is quite possibly the lightest mid-range rugged smartphone today – on paper at least (dear internet, please let me know if I’m wrong).
Internally, the Sense8 is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen1 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM, as well as 256GB of internal storage. For photography, the device has a 50MP rear camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) and All-Pixel PDAF, as well as an 8MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Sharp also promises support for four years of Android security updates and two system updates.
Availability
(Image: HWZ)
Sharp has announced that the Aquos R8s Pro and Sense 8 will be available for pre-order at $1,099 and $518 respectively. Launch price for both will then revert to S$1,299 and S$638 respectively. Both smartphones will be available on Sharp’s CocoroLife e-store, selected Challenger outlets, Courts, Best Denki and Dealer stores islandwide from 3 June 2024.
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